Sunday, July 2, 2006

Female in Focus - Linda Sanche Interview

Join me for There She Goes in getting to know Linda Sanche, the Director of the National Hit: The Shopping Bags! Read how knowing what you want and persistence can take you where you want to be…

Where are you from?
“I moved here from Edmonton Alberta, with my - then boyfriend - now husband, and have lived in BC for 15 years. We considerate it home.”

Where do you call home?
“East Van. One Block East of Fraser... We bought a fixer-upper a few years ago… Still fixing!”

Did you go to University?
“Yes, Graduated with a BA: Majored in Psychology and Minored in Sociology.”
Linda loves to learn and each directing experience gives her the opportunity to do just that. Learning from different people and different situations keeps her stimulated.

What was your path to becoming a Director on Shopping Bags?
“I Graduated from the BCIT Journalism Program… Started producing in radio, than graduated to television. I have now been in TV for 8 years, beginning as a researcher, then an associate producer and now have been freelance directing for the last 3yrs. I began with Shopping Bags as a segment producer. The show has been on the air for 5 seasons. This is my first full year directing."

When you wanted to take that next step, how did you go about achieving it?
“I let everyone around me know what my short and long term goals were and then started taking tiny steps in that direction.”

What was your Career’s Defining Moment?
“I took a leap…” Linda risked leaving her full time permanent position producing radio when she was offered a 6 week contract on a pilot as a researcher. She never looked back… one job led to another. Which proves, taking a chance, is never a wasted effort!

What are the pros and cons of being a Freelance Director?
“The flexibility is great, depending on the job; I can often work from home. I have converted our second bedroom into an office, though I often have a work space provided. On the down side, when your contract is up, you begin the search for the next. Though every new experience provides the opportunity to work with new people and learn new things.”

What would you say is your strength?
“Being Adaptable.” With each different project, Linda encounters new working environments and new coworkers, having the ability to get along with everyone is a benefit.

What challenges have you overcome?
“Self Doubt.” Having the confidence to continue when you are unsure, has been an inspirational common thread with our Female in Focus interviewees.

What do you love about your job?
“Learning new things all of the time! Plus we meet so many people on the show… We get glimpses into their lives and their fields of expertise. It’s very interesting and informative for everyone involved.”

What are your future goals?
“In the immediate future, I would like to develop my own projects. I am passionate about one-off documentaries. Beyond that, one day I imagine going back to school to get my Masters.”

What do you love most about your life?
“My relationship with my Husband. I am proud of that.”

Describe your perfect day?
“Well not being a morning person I would love to sleep in… Wake up to a big cup of tea, and curl up on the couch with a good book… Spend an afternoon reading followed by a nice dinner (I love food) with my husband.” Bliss…

Who inspires you?
“People who make a difference – like Terry Fox.”

What is the one thing you have learned that you can contribute to our subscribers?
“Not to care so much what people think.”

This was a great interview! I felt like Linda and I were friends by the end of our call. P.
.

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